This Turkey & Cranberry Crescent Ring is the ultimate holiday appetizer — golden, flaky, and full of creamy, savory flavor! Each buttery crescent triangle wraps around juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty Gruyere cheese for the perfect combination of sweet and savory. The presentation is a showstopper, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. Ideal for using up Thanksgiving leftovers or impressing guests at your next holiday gathering!
Why You’ll Love It
- Perfect for leftovers: A creative way to use up turkey after the holidays.
- Beautiful presentation: Looks like it came from a bakery, but it’s easy to assemble.
- Sweet & savory flavor: Cranberry sauce, Gruyere, and herbed cream cheese are a dreamy combo.
- Flaky, buttery texture: Crescent dough bakes up crisp and golden.
- Feeds a crowd: Perfect for holiday brunches, appetizers, or potlucks.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22–24 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
Ingredients
- 1 tube crescent rolls (8-count)
- 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese, softened
- 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, divided
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
- 1 lb thinly sliced cooked turkey (or chicken)
- 1 (14 oz) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp poppy seeds
- ½ tsp granulated garlic
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Crescent Base Separate crescent rolls and arrange them in a ring, wide ends overlapping in the center with the points facing out (like a sunburst). Press seams together where they overlap.
- Make the Filling In a small bowl, whisk cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp rosemary. Spread this mixture over the dough. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded Gruyere.
- Assemble the Ring Layer turkey slices evenly over the base, then spoon half of the cranberry sauce over the turkey. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and herbs.
- Fold and Brush Fold the tips of the crescent rolls over the filling, tucking them underneath to seal. Mix melted butter, poppy seeds, garlic, and salt, and brush over the top.
- Bake & Serve Bake for 22–24 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra rosemary and a few cranberries for a festive touch!
Chef Emma’s Tips
- Use puff pastry for a more elevated, flaky texture.
- Substitute Gruyere with Swiss or sharp white cheddar if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, use roasted vegetables instead of turkey.
- Drizzle with a bit of honey or balsamic glaze before serving for extra flavor depth.
- Serve with leftover gravy for dipping—it’s divine!
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 420mg
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm on a platter garnished with rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries.
- Perfect for holiday brunches, potlucks, or game-day spreads.
- Pair with sparkling cranberry punch or mulled wine for a festive touch.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 6 hours before baking; refrigerate until ready to bake.
- To store: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through for crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey & Cranberry Crescent Ring brings together all the flavors of Thanksgiving in a beautiful, shareable ring that’s sure to impress your guests. Buttery, savory, and just the right amount of sweet — it’s the appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Save this to your Holiday Recipes board and make it your new signature dish!
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Savory Turkey & Cranberry Crescent Ring
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Flaky crescent dough wrapped around creamy chive cheese, turkey, and cranberry sauce. The perfect easy, festive appetizer for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
Ingredients
- 1 tube crescent rolls
- 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese
- 1.5 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tsp chopped rosemary or thyme
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 lb sliced turkey
- 14 oz can whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange crescent dough in a ring with wide edges overlapping.
- Mix cream cheese, mustard, and herbs; spread over dough.
- Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese. Fold dough tips over filling and tuck under.
- Brush with butter mixture. Bake 22–24 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked up to 6 hours. Substitute puff pastry for a flakier version or add brie for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 15g
Keywords: crescent ring, turkey cranberry ring, holiday appetizer, thanksgiving leftovers, festive brunch recipe
